LATC Opens New Dental Radiography Lab to Support Growing Programs

WATERTOWN, S.D. — Lake Area Technical College has completed a new Dental Radiography Lab in its 100 Building to expand hands-on training opportunities for students in its dental programs. The lab is expected to be ready for student use before the end of the spring semester.

Located south of the dental programs area and across from the Medical Assisting program, the new space was created to support the upcoming Dental Hygiene program while continuing to serve Dental Assisting students. The dedicated lab allows Dental Assisting students to complete radiography training while Dental Hygiene students use the dental clinic for clinical hours and competencies required for graduation.

Approximately 73 students are expected to benefit from the lab each academic year, including about 60 Dental Assisting students and 13 Dental Hygiene students.

“This new lab space represents an important investment in our students, their future dental careers and the offices that will one day employ them,” said Nicole Pahl, Dental Assisting Department Supervisor.  “It provides expanded access to hands-on training, modern radiography technology and real-world learning experiences that prepare students to meet the needs of today’s dental industry.”

The lab includes six radiography operatories equipped with radiography units, dental chairs, cabinetry and computers with dental software. It also houses one of LATC’s two panoramic X-ray machines, giving students experience with advanced imaging technology used in modern dental practices.

About Lake Area Technical College        
Founded in 1965 as the first technical college in South Dakota, Lake Area Technical College offers comprehensive technical education in more than 30 high-demand fields. Lake Area Tech has been nationally recognized as a leader in technical education with a strong record of success: 

• More than 2,600 students
• Nearly 23,000 graduates
• 99% of graduates are employed or continuing education
• 84% of graduates live and work in South Dakota
• 2017 recipient of the National Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

For more information www.lakeareatech.edu

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